Horned Guan & Highland Birds: Guatemala Birding Tour
Join us in Guatemala's cloud forest to seek the legendary Horned Guan and a dazzling array of highland birds.
Bird Photography in Guatemala
For bird photographers, Guatemala offers some of the finest opportunities in Central America. The country’s cloud forests, highland ecosystems, and tropical lowlands support nearly 720 bird species, including a remarkable collection of regional endemics and sought-after specialties. Many birding locations feature well-maintained feeders, forest hides, and accessible trails, allowing excellent photographic opportunities in beautiful natural settings.
The undisputed star of Guatemala’s birdlife is the Resplendent Quetzal. Revered by ancient Maya civilizations and celebrated as the country’s national bird, the quetzal is one of the most spectacular species in the Americas. Guatemala is among the best places in the world to observe and photograph this iconic bird, particularly during the breeding season when males display their magnificent elongated tail feathers.
Beyond the quetzal, photographers can search for a remarkable diversity of hummingbirds, tanagers, warblers, owls, and highland endemics, including species such as the Wine-throated Hummingbird, Pink-headed Warbler, Horned Guan, and Azure-rumped Tanager. Whether you are building a life list or pursuing portfolio-quality wildlife images, Guatemala offers an exceptional combination of biodiversity, accessibility, and photographic potential.
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Journey at a Glance
Follow the route and discover the defining experiences of the expedition.
Complete route
See the full expedition route before focusing on each chapter.
Guatemala City & the Cuchumatanes
Arrive in Guatemala City and set off on a slow highland birding circuit that begins in the Sierra de Cuchumatanes.
Tacana Volcano & the Horned Guan
Drive across the highlands to the base of Tacana Volcano for the trip's headline pursuit of the Horned Guan.
Quetzal Country & Los Tarrales
Search for the Resplendent Quetzal at Refugio El Quetzal, then move to the Pacific-slope reserve of Los Tarrales for forest birding and night searches.
Lake Atitlan, Antigua & Return
Search the dry slopes above Lake Atitlan, cross by ferry, and work the Antigua foothills before returning to Guatemala City.
Detailed Itinerary
Guatemala Ciudad
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Reception at the airport with your guide
Upon arrival at the airport, your guide Tristan will be waiting for you just after you collect your luggage. -
Transfer: Airport Guatemala City to Hotel Barceló
Private transfer from the airport at Guatemala City to Hotel Barceló on the evening of arrival.
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Tour Orientation
First meeting to get acquainted. Tristan will cover the key points of the itinerary and give you some initial tips on how to make the most of your trip. -
Dinner
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Hotel Barceló
Altitude: 1,490m (4,888 ft)A comfortable, well-located hotel in Guatemala City, used as the base on arrival and before departure for the highland birding circuit.
Guatemala Ciudad - La Alfalfa - Chancol
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Transfer: Flight to Huehuetenango and Road Transfer to La Alfalfa
Morning domestic flight from Guatemala City to Huehuetenango, then a road transfer to the La Alfalfa area and Unicornio Azul Lodge.
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Breakfast
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Full-Day Birding at Unicornio Azul Lodge Grounds and Approach Route
A full day working the spacious grounds and approach road of Unicornio Azul Lodge in the Sierra de Cuchumatanes, the tour's first big montane-forest session. The star here is the Pink-headed Warbler, one of Guatemala's most wanted birds, sharing pine-oak and upper-montane forest with Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Crescent-faced Warbler, Rock Wren, Brown-backed Solitaire, Great Silky-flycatcher, Blue-throated Motmot, Hermit Warbler, and Black-throated Jay, among a rich highland community.
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Night Birding at La Alfalfa
After dark the group tries for the Mexican Whip-poor-will and, if luck holds, the seldom-seen Unspotted Saw-whet Owl around the Unicornio Azul Lodge grounds in the Sierra de Cuchumatanes.
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Unicornio Azul
Chancol
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Breakfast
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Todos los Santos Excursion (Cuchumatanes)
A dedicated day excursion into the Cuchumatanes highlands to find the localized Goldman's Warbler, which in this area is found only in this part of Guatemala, plus a rich alpine and pine-oak community including Black-capped Siskin, Yellow-eyed Junco, Red Crossbill, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Singing Quail, and Bushy-crested Jay.
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Unicornio Azul
La Alfalfa - Sibinal
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Breakfast
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Transfer: La Alfalfa to Sibinal (Base of Tacaná Volcano)
Road transfer from La Alfalfa west to the base of Tacaná Volcano at Sibinal.
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Afternoon Birding at Unión Reforma (Humid Montane Forest)
An afternoon of birding the remote Unión Reforma site in humid montane forest near the base of Tacaná Volcano, targeting Highland Guan, Amethyst-throated Hummingbird, Mountain Trogon, and the shy Blue-and-white Mockingbird.
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Sibinal Lodge (TBD)
Sibinal
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Breakfast
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Pre-Dawn 4×4 Ascent of Tacaná Volcano for Horned Guan
A pre-dawn 4x4 convoy climbs the Tacaná Volcano road in search of the Horned Guan, the holy grail of Central American birds, with high-elevation forest companions including Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Steller's Jay, Townsend's Warbler, and Garnet-throated Hummingbird.
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Sibinal Lodge (TBD)
Sibinal - San Rafael de la Cuesta
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Breakfast
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Transfer: Sibinal to San Rafael de la Cuesta
Day transfer from Sibinal to San Rafael de la Cuesta, with arrival in the afternoon and possible opportunistic birding stops en route.
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Lunch
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Possible Afternoon Birding En Route (Sibinal – San Rafael de la Cuesta)
A mostly transfer day from Sibinal to San Rafael de la Cuesta, with time-permitting stops along the route for Collared Trogon, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Brown-capped Vireo, and Bushy-crested Jay.
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Dinner
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Victorias Hotel
A straightforward roadside hotel in San Rafael de la Cuesta, used as a practical overnight base between the volcano highlands and quetzal country.
San Rafael de la Cuesta - Los Tarrales - Patulul
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Breakfast
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Early Birding at Refugio El Quetzal
An early start at Refugio El Quetzal for the splendid male Resplendent Quetzal, with a rich cloud-forest cast including Azure-rumped Tanager, Blue-crowned Chlorophonia, Emerald-chinned Hummingbird, Northern Emerald Toucanet, and Slate-throated Whitestart.
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Transfer: San Rafael de la Cuesta to Los Tarrales Natural Reserve
Road transfer from San Rafael de la Cuesta to Los Tarrales Natural Reserve after the morning Refugio El Quetzal session.
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Lunch
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Night Birding at Los Tarrales (Northern Potoo and Mottled Owl)
A night session at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve trying for the Northern Potoo and Mottled Owl.
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Dinner
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Tarrales Natural Reserve
Ecolodge | $$$ | Altitude: 756m (2,480 ft)A verdant paradise in Patulul, this reserve offers exceptional birdwatching and immersive coffee tours. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems on the volcanic slopes, encountering rare wildlife amidst stunning, protected tropical landscapes.
Patulul
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Breakfast
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Full-Day Birding at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve
A full day exploring Los Tarrales Natural Reserve's Pacific-slope forest for Long-tailed Manakin, Tody Motmot, White-bellied Chachalaca, Lesson's Motmot, Crested Guan, Turquoise-browed Motmot, and Collared Aracari.
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Lunch
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Night Birding at Los Tarrales (Black-and-white Owl)
A second night session at Los Tarrales Natural Reserve, this time searching for the Black-and-white Owl.
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Dinner
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Tarrales Natural Reserve
Ecolodge | $$$ | Altitude: 756m (2,480 ft)A verdant paradise in Patulul, this reserve offers exceptional birdwatching and immersive coffee tours. Nature enthusiasts can explore diverse ecosystems on the volcanic slopes, encountering rare wildlife amidst stunning, protected tropical landscapes.
Santiago Atitlán - Antigua
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Breakfast
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Lake Atitlán Dry Slopes and Belted Flycatcher Search
A potentially strenuous hike onto the dry, steep slopes above Lake Atitlán in search of the range-restricted Belted Flycatcher, with Blue-and-white Mockingbird also possible and a ferry crossing of the lake to rejoin the vehicle.
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Traslado Los Tarrales – Lago de Atitlán
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Lunch
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Transfer: Lake Atitlán Ferry Crossing
Ferry crossing of Lake Atitlán to rejoin the vehicle and continue toward Antigua, on a lake once home to the extinct Atitlán Grebe.
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El Pilar Hummingbird Feeders (Time Permitting)
A time-permitting visit to the hummingbird feeders at El Pilar near Antigua for Rufous Sabrewing, Beryline Hummingbird, and Green-throated Mountaingem.
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Dinner
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Generic Hotel in Antigua Guatemala (TBD)
Altitude: 1,542m (5,059 ft)
Guatemala Ciudad
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Breakfast
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Predawn Fulvous Owl Search at Finca del Pilar Reserve
A pre-dawn visit to Finca del Pilar Reserve near Antigua in search of the highly wanted Fulvous Owl, with a rich surrounding community including White-eared Ground Sparrow, Blue-throated Motmot, Mountain Trogon, Northern Emerald Toucanet, and Bushtit.
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Lunch
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Transfer: Finca del Pilar to Guatemala City
Afternoon road transfer from Finca del Pilar near Antigua back to Guatemala City for the final night.
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Farewell Dinner
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Evening backup and image review
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Hotel Barceló
Altitude: 1,490m (4,888 ft)A comfortable, well-located hotel in Guatemala City, used as the base on arrival and before departure for the highland birding circuit.
Guatemala Ciudad
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Breakfast
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Transfer: Hotel Guatemala City to Airport
Transfer from the Guatemala City hotel to the airport for the international flight, or to connect to the operator's Tikal extension.
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End of the Adventure
We’ll drop you off at the airport for your flight back home. We hope you had an incredible adventure with us!
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 7.295 USD (663 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 6.295 USD (572 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 5.095 USD (463 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 4.395 USD (400 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Single Supplement
- 214 USD
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Hotel Barceló — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Unicornio Azul — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Sibinal Lodge (TBD) — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Victorias Hotel — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Tarrales Natural Reserve — 2 nights · Ecolodge
- Generic Hotel in Antigua Guatemala (TBD) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van), as well as Boat / Ferry
- Domestic flights
- Meals indicated in the program: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunchs, 10 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Arrival day and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.529 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Second Participant Discount
- Travelling with a companion who isn't a photographer? Their per-person price is reduced by 350 USD.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
